- During the last years of John Paul II's pontificate, did you receive information about the dangers that the Holy Father might face? Did the representatives of the various services report that special care had to be taken on a particular day?
- Such situations have happened.
- Once, twice?
- Quite often we received such warnings. The signals were coming to Fr. Stanisław Dziwisz and to me. Very serious, several times.
- Serious? What does it mean?
- It was reported, for example, that an assassination attempt or attack on the Pope was planned during the general audience on the St. Peter's Square. The information was provided by the head of the Vatican gendarmerie, Camilo Cibin.
- Were there discussions what to do?
- Some advised to cancel the audience. Others said that it should not be cancelled, but the Pope should not tour the square and greet the pilgrims. Still others said that if the changes will be made, the threats of attacks would be more frequent and would disrupt the normal activities of the Holy Father.
- Was a bulletproof vest prepared?
- There were such proposals. But, John Paul II never put it on.
- How did the Pope react to these signals?
- With thought and peace. He entrusted his life to God; he was not stressed.
- And the priest? Were you afraid?
- No. I was looking at the Holy Father and it was calming me down.
- After such signals, has the passage between sectors been reduced?
- No, the Holy Father has decided that everything will be done as always. That calmed us down. The Pope behaved as if there were no warnings. Audiences and cross-sector journeys took place as usual
Secretary of two Popes – conversation with Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki.
Wydawnictwo Literackie Publishing House
